I’m in love with my cousin and the sex is incredible

The Irish Sun has an article from today about a cousin couple who want to marry:

For years we were only in contact online through social media. I hadn’t actually seen her face-to-face since she was about 15, until, that is, my brother’s recent 30th birthday party.

Wow, had she changed. She had grown into a beautiful woman.

I was helping set up the food and was getting flustered handling all the dishes. My cousin came over and said I looked stressed and offered to get us some drinks.

She was incredibly sweet and we spent the rest of the evening together, chatting and flirting heavily.

She offered to give me a lift home and when her car started making a terrible noise, forcing her to pull over near my flat, I suggested she come in and wait for the breakdown guy.

Is Cousin Marriage Legal in Maine?

Is This Legal? has an undated article about cousin marriage:

Yes. Under Maine law there is no explicit statutory prohibition on marriage between first cousins. Prohibitions focus on closer degrees of consanguinity such as ancestor-descendant and siblings as defined in Maine Revised Statutes, Title 19-A. Couples who are first cousins therefore may obtain a marriage license in Maine subject to the usual procedural requirements and any applicable age and capacity rules.

Maine’s marriage laws are codified in Title 19-A of the Maine Revised Statutes. That statutory scheme defines prohibited marriages by close familial relationships commonly described as incestuous. Those prohibitions target parent-child relationships, full siblings, and similar close-line relationships. Because first cousins are not listed among the forbidden degrees, Maine courts and clerks treat cousin marriages as legally permissible. For authoritative interpretation consult Title 19-A and local town clerks or a family law attorney.

The article falsely claims that genetic counseling is not a requirement, but only voluntary. I am planning to send them an email about it. I checked the website of Maine's legislature and it states this: "B. Notwithstanding paragraph A, a man may marry the daughter of his father's brother or sister or the daughter of his mother's brother or sister, and a woman may marry the son of her father's brother or sister or the son of her mother's brother or sister as long as, pursuant to sections 651 and 652, the man or woman provides the physician's certificate of genetic counseling."

On the plus side I give Maine credit for implying that a man marries a woman and the other way around. Or maybe the implication is that genetic counseling is unnecessary for alternative forms of marriage where there is no chance of pregnancy.

Cousin Marriage Around the World

In 2015 Vivid Maps had an article about cousin marriage with a chart showing the percentage in each country.

What explains these rates? Economics and tradition go hand in hand. If your family owns farmland or a business, marrying within the extended family keeps those assets under one roof. You’re not handing over your inheritance to strangers. Then there’s trust — you’ve known your cousin’s parents your whole life because they’re your aunts and uncles. Wedding arrangements become less complicated when both families already understand each other. In smaller communities where everyone’s interconnected through multiple family lines, cousins may make up much of the available marriage pool. Add centuries of religious acceptance and established custom, and the pattern continues generation after generation.

If cousin marriage were actually dangerous then birth defects would be widespread in parts of Africa and Asia.

YouTuber defends marriage between cousins

The Indian website Live Mint had an article about cousin marriage on September 28th:

Keerthika adds that about 14% of Indian marriages are between relatives. In the South, roughly one-third of marriages are between cousins. Cousin marriages in northern states are under 5% due to clan and gotra rules, she argues.

The influencer says cities show a decline. However, rural and traditional areas still follow it. She admits there are genetic risks, especially for first cousins. But, such risks are lower for second cousins, according to her.

Keerthika says South India’s family structure is built around this system, which has shaped social life for centuries.

Is It Legal to Marry Your First Cousin? Laws and Exceptions Explained

On January 14th, the LegalClarity Team had an article about cousin marriage:

The historical context of cousin marriage sheds light on current legal perspectives. Historically, cousin marriages were common among royal and noble families in Europe to consolidate power and wealth, a practice that influenced the permissive stance in some European countries.

In the United States, the legal approach has shifted over time. Initially, many states permitted cousin marriages, but the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw prohibitions influenced by the eugenics movement. This movement, which aimed to improve genetic quality, led to laws banning cousin marriages in several states due to concerns about genetic defects in offspring. These laws have been challenged over the years, with varying outcomes. For example, in the 1980 case of Zablocki v. Redhail, the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed the fundamental right to marry. While this case did not directly address cousin marriage, it has been cited in arguments for more permissive marriage laws.

Legal precedents in other countries also reflect a mix of historical and cultural influences. The United Kingdom’s Marriage Act of 1836 formalized the legality of cousin marriages, a stance that remains unchanged. In contrast, Germany’s Basic Law emphasizes the protection of family and marriage but adopts a cautious approach to consanguinity, requiring genetic counseling.

5 Tips on Navigating Love for a Cousin

In 2023 eNotAlone had an article about cousin love:

Ever since the dawn of civilization, the labyrinth of human emotions has left many of us perplexed. Love, one of the most potent yet enigmatic of them all, often finds its way into our hearts uninvited. Sometimes, this emotion blossoms for those who are close to us, those we've grown up with - our cousins. The very thought might send a jolt of surprise or confusion. Is it wrong? Is it normal? How do we navigate this peculiar terrain? As a relationship expert who has treaded similar paths in my life, I'd like to provide some insights into this topic, and hopefully shed some light on your perplexing emotions.

Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher, once said, "At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet." When it comes to love for a cousin, however, it often feels more like a bewildering riddle. Is it merely an amplification of familial affection, or is it something more? To comprehend this, we need to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of love.

Cousin Marriage

Scholarly Community Encyclopedia has a long article about cousin marriage that was last updated in 2022:

A cousin marriage is a marriage where the partners are cousins (i.e. people with common grandparents or people who share other fairly recent ancestors). The practice was common in earlier times, and continues to be common in some societies today, though in some jurisdictions such marriages are prohibited. Worldwide, more than 10% of marriages are between first or second cousins. Cousin marriage is an important topic in anthropology and alliance theory. In some cultures and communities, cousin marriages are considered ideal and are actively encouraged and expected; in others, they are seen as incestuous and are subject to social stigma and taboo. Cousin marriage was historically practised by indigenous cultures in Australia, North America, South America, and Polynesia. Different religions have ranged from prohibiting up to sixth cousins from marrying (some forms of Hinduism and Catholicism) to freely allowing first cousin marriage (Protestantism, Islam and Judaism). In some jurisdictions, cousin marriage is legally prohibited, for example in China , Taiwan, North Korea, South Korea , the Philippines and 24 of the 50 United States. The laws of many jurisdictions set out the degree of consanguinity prohibited among sexual relations and marriage parties. Supporters of cousin marriage where it is banned may view the prohibition as discrimination, while opponents may appeal to moral or other arguments. Opinions vary widely as to the merits of the practice. Children of first-cousin marriages have an increased risk of autosomal recessive genetic disorders, and this risk is higher in populations that are already highly ethnically similar. Children of more distantly related cousins have less risk of these disorders, though still higher than the average population. A study indicated that between 1800 and 1965 in Iceland, more children and grandchildren were produced from marriages between third or fourth cousins (people with common great-great- or great-great-great-grandparents) than from other degrees of separation.

Is It Ok to Date Your Cousin?

Relationship Whats up has an article about dating your cousin:

1) Love should not be limited towards societal norms

Have you ever heard the saying you only live once? Well, you do, and falling in love with your cousin is totally ordinary. They are a person with whom you have grown up and share a lot of interests and hobbies.

Don’t worry about what society thinks about dating your cousin. If you like him or her, go and ask them on a date and see where it goes. Who knows he or she might be the one you marry.

2) Good For The Family

Developing a close friendship and love with your cousin is good for both families. (But only if they approve of you dating your cousin).

It has been a common practice for hundreds of years to match up cousins together because it helps to preserve family wealth, keeps cultural values aswell as strengthening family ties.

Now before you go on your first date with your cousin. Make sure your family is completely ok with you doing so. Because if they are not then things could get a bit out of hand.

Genetic Problems in Cousin Marriages: Risks and Solutions

In 2023 Science of Bio Genetics had a long article about cousin marriage:

In many cultures around the world, consanguinity, or marriage between close relatives, has been a common practice for centuries. These relationships, often involving marriages between cousins, are deeply rooted in tradition, culture, and sometimes even religion. While such marriages may be seen as advantageous for preserving family ties and inheritance, they also come with potential genetic problems.

When closely related individuals choose to marry and have children, they increase the risk of passing on genetic disorders to their offspring. This is because when cousins who are blood relatives have children together, there is a higher likelihood of inheriting the same recessive genes from their shared ancestors. These genes may carry harmful mutations that can lead to various genetic disorders and conditions.

Medical studies have shown that children born from cousin marriages face an increased risk of inheriting genetic disorders such as autosomal recessive disorders, congenital heart defects, and intellectual disabilities. The chances of having a child affected by these disorders are higher in consanguineous marriages compared to non-consanguineous marriages. However, it is important to note that not all offspring of cousin marriages will necessarily develop genetic problems.

While the risks are higher in cousin marriages, there are also solutions and measures that can be taken to minimize the chances of passing on genetic disorders. Genetic counseling, for example, can help couples understand the potential risks and make informed decisions about starting a family. This involves analyzing the family history, conducting genetic tests, and providing information and guidance on available options. Additionally, advances in medical technology and prenatal screening can help identify potential genetic problems early on, allowing for appropriate medical interventions and support.

Is It Legal to Marry Your Cousin in California?

In 2022 The Law Offices of James L. Arrasmith had an article about cousin marriage:

In the state of California, marriage between first cousins is legally permitted, as the state’s marriage laws do not prohibit consanguineous relationships of this degree. This stance is rooted in several factors, including cultural diversity, autonomy, and the right to marry. A more in-depth exploration of these considerations follows:

Cultural diversity: California is known for its cultural diversity, and the state’s laws reflect this ethos. In numerous cultures around the world, marriages between first cousins are customary and socially accepted. By permitting such marriages, California acknowledges and respects the cultural practices of its residents, promoting an inclusive society.

Autonomy and the right to marry: The freedom to marry is considered a fundamental right, protected under the United States Constitution. By allowing first cousins to marry, California upholds the principle of individual autonomy, granting citizens the right to make personal choices about their relationships and marriages, provided that the relationship is between consenting adults.

Genetic concerns: While concerns about the potential genetic risks associated with cousin marriages exist, research suggests that the increased risk of genetic disorders in the offspring of first cousins is relatively small. In general, the risk of birth defects for children born to unrelated parents is approximately 3-4%, while the risk for first cousins is estimated to be around 5-6%. This relatively modest increase in risk is not considered significant enough to warrant legal restrictions on cousin marriages.

Precedents from other states and countries: California is not alone in permitting marriages between first cousins. Other states, such as New York and Massachusetts, also allow such marriages. Moreover, many countries around the world, including several European nations, permit marriages between first cousins, further supporting the notion that such relationships should not be legally restricted.

7 Strong Signs Your Cousin Has a Crush on You

Truly Sigma has an article about cousins that was originally published in 2022 but was reposted in 2024:

When you know someone has a crush on you, it feels fantastic; however, when it’s your own cousin, it may feel really weird.

When your cousin has a crush on you, it will be really hard to detect because they won’t give enough signs.

However, you’re at the right place because I’ll be sharing some of the strongest signs

1: Always Looks Into Your Eyes With A Big Smile

2: Tries To Touch You or Come Close To You Every Time You’re Alone

3: Never Criticize or Condemn You

4: Always Try To Look Their Best In Infront Of You

5: Always Hugs You Tightly

6: Likes Every Picture Of Yours On Social Media

7: Feel Jealousy When You Praise Someone’s Looks

How cousin marriage shapes businesses in Africa

On July 1st, EurekAlert had an article about cousin marriage:

Cousin marriage, defined in the study as the practice of marrying within a kinship group, has deep historical roots in many African ethnic communities. The tradition reinforces in-group identity and tightly knit social networks, which in turn influence how small businesses make decisions about hiring and growth.

The researchers found that firms operating in areas with a historical tradition of cousin marriage were more likely to use additional financial resources to hire relatives or in-group members, leading to greater employment increases but smaller gains in revenue. In contrast, firms in communities without such traditions tended to prioritize revenue growth and acted more individualistically in their business decisions.

“These findings suggest that family systems and social expectations play a significant role in shaping how informal entrepreneurs allocate resources,” said Zhang. “Even when cousin marriage is no longer widely practiced, its underlying norms—like the emphasis on supporting the in-group—can persist and continue to influence behavior.”

The study also explores how colonization altered these long-standing family norms. The authors found that British colonial rule, with its emphasis on individualistic legal and administrative structures, was associated with a weakening of the cousin marriage tradition in many areas. These changes, however, varied by region and were influenced by competing cultural forces, including Islamic and Christian missionary activity.

MP’s call to ban cousin marriage is prejudiced

On January 2nd, The Guardian posted a letter from a doctor about cousin marriage:

I find it intriguing that a Conservative former minister, Richard Holden, has called for first-cousin marriage to be banned in the UK. He argues that the practice threatens women’s freedom and leads to birth defects. Medical evidence shows that while the risk of birth defects is relatively higher among children born to consanguineous parents, the absolute risk remains low. In fact, the absolute risk increase is comparable to factors such as older maternal age, obesity and smoking – but there are no calls to ban them.

As a GP working at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in London, I manage patients with genetic disorders ranging from Down’s syndrome to rare mitochondrial and genetic diseases. None of my patients were born of consanguineous parents.

I would also like to point out the historical inconsistency in the values being defended – Holden fails to mention that cousin marriage was once a common practice among the British aristocracy.

Stop worrying about cousin marriage

On April 22nd UnHerd had an article about cousin marriage:

Cousin marriage isn’t unnatural: it has been practised around the world for thousands of years. But could it pose a health risk to the resulting children? If Darwin were alive today, he might be surprised to discover that, despite our better understanding of genetics, significant gaps in our knowledge remain. Roughly, the baseline risk of unrelated parents having a child with a major birth defect is 3%; for a child of first cousins, this risk increases to 6%. This means that the vast majority of children born from consanguineous marriages will be healthy. Of course, if there are known genetic disorders within the family, then this risk increases, and successive generations of cousin marriage can also compound the likelihood of having a disabled child — but this is by no means inevitable.

Nevertheless, these additional risks can be offset through prenatal genetic screening, which is currently offered to other at-risk groups. Older pregnant women, for example, are screened for Down’s syndrome, as are couples who are carriers of cystic fibrosis. We don’t ban these individuals from marrying or having children, and we don’t consider them a burden on the healthcare system.

Nor is it only the children of cousins who are at risk. The likelihood of health problems is increased whenever there is a higher chance that two individuals share genes. This can occur in small populations or in any close-knit community that marry among themselves — such as the UK’s Jewish community, or else the Amish in America or French Canadians. Would Holden also support banning marriage within other ethnic communities? I suspect not.

What happens if cousins have a baby?

In 2023 Resto NYC had an article about cousin couples:

When cousins have a child together, there are some elevated risks of genetic problems and birth defects. However, risks are still low in most cases, around 4-7% for first cousins. Major disabilities are very rare unless cousin marriage has occurred for multiple generations. The bigger challenges tend to be the social disapproval and stigma. Cousin couples planning children need to get genetic counseling, understand laws, and prepare emotionally. Overall, cousins can safely have healthy children together in most instances, as long as they are aware of the small risks and challenges involved.

16 Reasons Why It is Okay to Have a Crush on Your Cousin

In 2024 Refurbished Mag had an article about crushes:

Alright, buckle up folks, because we’re diving deep into a topic that’s sure to raise eyebrows: having a crush on your cousin.

Before you start judging, let’s hear it straight from the source—real people, real experiences.

I’ve gathered insights from 16 individuals in similar situations, and let me tell you, the reasons they’ve given might just challenge your preconceived notions.

What States Is It Legal To Marry Your Cousin?

In 2020 Legal Inquirer had an article about cousin marriage:

Keeping marriage in the family is a very weird concept, and a taboo topic for most people in America. However, there are many countries across the world and even some states in America itself, where cousin marriages are considered to be legal.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures' website (NCSL), it is legal for first cousins to get married in 21 states across the United States of America. And yes, if you are wondering, you can marry your cousin in Alabama. Professor Alan Bittles of Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University in Australia has researched and thoroughly studied cousin marriages for the last three decades.

According to his research, he states that almost 10.4% of the global population are married to a close relative or are the offspring of such a marriage. This means that there are almost 700 million such people worldwide. Quite a lot of people right?

Consanguinity by country 2025

World Population Review has a 2025 article about consanguinity by country:

Inbreeding refers to situations in which individuals who are closely related to one another (such as siblings or cousins) procreate and produce offspring. Inbreeding can occur among humans as well as animals. Inbreeding is uncommon in most developed countries, but contributes a statistically relevant portion of the total number of births in certain developing countries.

The practice of marriages between close relatives (typically cousins) is known as consanguineous marriage. Although rare in the Americas and modern Europe, consanguineous marriage is notably common in North Africa and the Middle East, where it is a traditional and respected aspect of many Arab and Muslim cultures. In many countries, consanguineous marriages and inbreeding are considered illegal. Sexual relations between consanguineous couples is typically referred to as incest in these regions.

What Country has the Highest Rate of Inbreeding in the World?

Although precise per-country data is rare, it is widely accepted that countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Western Asia have the highest rates of inbreeding in the world. Countries with traditionally high rates of consanguineous marriage and inbreeding include Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, and Israel.

What Segments of the Human Population are known for Inbreeding?

A certain degree of inbreeding can be difficult to avoid in isolated or cloistered societies, such as the populations of small islands or ethnic/cultural groups such as immigrants or Amish, where the range of possible marriage partners is limited. These conditions can artificially limit potential mates for members of the population, driving up rates of inbreeding.

Relationship with cousin

Three years ago, Reddit had a post about cousin romance:

For the last 6 months I've been in a sexual relationship with my first cousin. I'm 24 and she's 23 and we grew up together. We went to the same elementary school, middle school and high school. I haven't necessarily always had a crush on her. It's something that slowly progressed I'd say within the last 8 years and within the last 2/3 years I just couldn't stop thinking of her.

I hang around her quite often. We just chill together and go to bars together with friends.

7 Aspects of Loving a Cousin

In 2023 eNotAlone had an article about cousin love:

The depths of human emotion are vast and complex, opening us up to a plethora of experiences, sensations, and connections that can both enthrall and bewilder. One such emotion that presents a realm of both intrigue and complexity is love, especially when it emanates from an unexpected source – a cousin.

These feelings can emerge suddenly, unraveling your sense of self and your understanding of societal norms. It's a scenario many find themselves navigating, yet it's seldom discussed in mainstream conversations, often ensnared by cultural and ethical dilemmas. So let's delve into the heart of the matter, bringing to light seven intriguing aspects of being in love with a cousin and offering advice on how to navigate this emotional maze.

The Prevalence and Persistence of Cousin Marriage in Pakistan

On February 4th the Population Council had an article on cousin marriage in Pakistan:

Pakistan’s rate of consanguinity (the proportion of couples who are blood relatives) is unparalleled globally, with nearly two-thirds of marriages involving cousins. While cousin marriage rates have declined alongside economic development in many parts of the world, Pakistan’s rates have stayed roughly the same for several decades. Using data from the Punjab Consanguinity Survey, our new study provides a nuanced understanding of this phenomenon, contextualizing it within the frameworks of kinship, economic development, cultural norms, and demography.

Our findings identify three key factors that sustain high rates of cousin marriage in Pakistan: intensive kinship systems, slower economic development, and higher fertility rates. These factors combine to create a unique socio-economic environment in which the advantages of marrying within the family outweigh its drawbacks.

Cousin marriages should not be banned

The Progress Educational Trust (PET) is an independent charity that focuses on reproductive and genomic science. On January 27th they published an article about cousin marriage:

The British Society for Genetic Medicine (BSGM) has several concerns about the proposed bill, including that Holden misunderstands the genetic risks associated with first-cousin marriage.

We are an independent body that supports the promotion, encouragement and advancement of genetic and genomic science in clinical and research practice for the public benefit. We have always taken an active role in considering social, ethical and legal issues. As such, we have written a Parliamentary Briefing in response to the proposed bill.

The response from the BSGM argues that:

The bill is based on misunderstandings about the genetic risks associated with first-cousin marriages.

The bill will have a negative impact, due to stigmatisation, on healthcare for women and children in communities where first-cousin marriage is common.

The bill will create further distrust within those communities, and build barriers to them accessing appropriate healthcare and other services.

The bill fails to recognise the benefits of first-cousin marriages, including the strengthening of family bonds and care arrangements within the extended family.

The bill seems to conflate first-cousin marriages with the issues of forced marriages and so-called honour killings.

The bill appears to be in contravention of Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life), Article 12 (right to marry) and Article 14 (protection from discrimination) of the Human Rights Act 1998.

Unrelated parents have a 2-3 percent chance of having a baby with a genetic condition or congenital anomaly, whereas parents who are first cousins have a 4-6 percent chance. Most of this increased risk is due to recessively inherited genetic conditions. This means that most babies (94-96 percent) born to parents who are first cousins do not have a genetic condition or congenital anomaly.

Couple defend first-cousin marriages amid ban call

On January 26th the BBC had an article about cousin marriage:

Family life is busy for Israr Hussain and his wife, Tasleem Akhtar, who have four daughters between the ages of five and 15.

They chose to have their wedding back home in Pakistan in 2007 and live in Birmingham.

The 47-year-olds are not only husband and wife, but also first cousins, as both of their fathers are brothers.

Marrying a first cousin is a feature of many communities across the world. It is about protecting wealth, land and property and helps keep the family together.

Delaware legislature introduces bill to recognize lawful first cousin marriages

Delaware Public Media has an article about cousin marriage:

Delaware is presently among 25 states that ban first cousin marriages, but a new bill could alter that law to some extent.

State Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton’s (D-Newark) legislation would only recognize legal first cousin marriages made outside the First State — it would not legalize such marriages to occur within Delaware.

"If you have a cousin that lives in Delaware that you were looking to marry, you can't do that if this bill passes. But, if you got married in France or you got married in New York to your first cousin ,and then you live here and you're trying to bring them here, your marriage would be recognized just like any other marriage is recognized," she explained.

The inspiration for the bill came from a constituent who approached her with a challenging circumstance.

In an attempt to reunite his family, her constituent — who is a U.S. citizen — applied to bring his wife into Delaware from out of the country, but the federal government rejected the proposal, noting Delaware does not recognize marriages between first cousins and recommended he move to a different state and reapply.

It is unfortunate that Delaware still bans cousin marriages, but it is a step in the right direction to recognize marriages performed in other states or countries. I wish Utah would take this first step as well. The states are required to accept gay marriage and cannot punish anyone for it, but they are still allowed to punish lawfully married cousins. What is the rationale for this two-tiered system? I believe that the legal, historical, religious, and scientific basis for cousin marriage is much stronger than for gay marriage. Cousin marriage does not require a separate category of marriage that is falsely labeled as equality.

I had a child with my first cousin

On January 19th, The Sun had an article about a cousin couple that was based on a call into the talk radio station LBC. The episode was posted to YouTube on December 11th.

One caller rang into LBC to "tell her tale" of falling in love with her first cousin - who she later had a child with.

In a clip shared to LBC's TikTok account, a caller named Shirley told host Ben Kentish how she had a daughter with her first cousin.

Shirley claimed people "can't help who they fall in love with."

"I, um, have a child with my first cousin. We were together for 6 years. And the one thing that's not been mentioned is you just fall in love," she told host Ben.

Shirley went on to say she is "from a Jewish background" and that she and her cousin took medical tests to rule out the possibility of passing down any genetic diseases.

She said: "Before even contemplating it, we went to see a professor at the university of Sydney about the possibilities of what could happen. We had our test and we're both negative.

"So we went ahead and we've got a 35 year old daughter together."

I don't know if they had the child out of wedlock or got divorced, which I believe are wrong, but she said they are still friends and talk to each other.

I married my first cousin – So did Darwin, Einstein and Queen Victoria

On January 11th Al Hakam had an opinion piece about cousin marriage by a final-year PhD researcher in the field of Oncology (the diagnosis and treatment of cancer).

Yes, I married my first cousin. Shocking? Improper? Perhaps to those who thrive on misplaced moral outrage. 

Cousin marriage is a topic that makes some people clutch their pearls while conveniently ignoring the fact that some of the greatest minds in history married their cousins. 

So, let’s look at the facts. 

Charles Darwin, the father of evolution, married his first cousin. Albert Einstein, the genius who redefined physics, also married his first cousin. What about Queen Victoria and Prince Albert? You guessed it: First cousins.

Before the anti-cousin-marriage bandwagon hyperventilates, let’s step back and examine the history, statistics and science behind cousin marriage.

Cousin Marriages: Risks or Rhetoric

On January 6th The Review of Religions had an article comparing the risks of cousin marriage to other pregnancy risks showing that a ban is not justified.

Cousin marriages have existed throughout history in the UK (the Royal Family no less) and throughout the world. Across many different religions, including Islam, marriages between cousins are permitted and occur, provided there is interest and consent among the couple. In a free society, particularly one that is referred to as ‘modern British society’, is it really the role of the state to be involved in who people should marry and beyond that, who should be allowed to have children? Are cousin marriages a threat to ‘women’s freedom’, as MP Holden remarked, or the proposed policing by the state? 

The evidence shows that the potential risks of birth defects from cousin parents can be less than other risk factors (such as age of parents). Even so, such correlated risk factors are magnitudes less in comparison to the causative and extremely damaging effects of alcohol to children in-utero – the leading cause of birth defects. In short, the proposed marriage ban has little justification based on science and it raises ethical and moral dilemmas about the role of the government on private matters of families and couples.

Should I Marry My Cousin?

In 2019 the BBC had a documentary about cousin marriage:

In this provocative and personal documentary, 18-year-old Bradford-born Hiba explores the controversial but legal custom of first-cousin marriage. It's a practice which has gone on within her own family for generations, and as she reaches adulthood, she faces a massive dilemma - deciding whether to follow her culture and marry a cousin or go her own independent way.

Exploring the health impacts that first-cousin marriage can have and the arguments for and against, Hiba finds out if it is possible to fancy and desire such a close relative before testing if this something she could do herself.

In Britain, where cousin marriage has been legal for over 400 years, first-cousin marriage is often considered taboo. However, in one community - the British Pakistanis - 55 per cent of young people marry their first cousin. And in Bradford, where Hiba comes from, that figure is 70 per cent.

Although she's only 18, Hiba is already talking to her family about marriage. For them, first-cousin marriage is the norm, and some members of the family are especially keen for her to continue the tradition. Her uncle Younis is in favour - four out of five of his own children are in cousin marriages. Her dad Maroof is on the fence and her mum Nuzhat is very much against it, but both have said they will support Hiba in whatever decision she makes.

At the moment Hiba is single, and because all her first cousins have married each other, her only hope of a family match would be with a second or third cousin from Pakistan. So, should Hiba marry a cousin? In this informative, authentic and life-changing film, Hiba is about to find out.

People should know the risks of marrying their cousin

In 2017 the BBC had an article about cousin marriage:

With my dad’s generation, and the generation before that, there were quite a few cousin marriages in the family.

Now, times have changed, and I don’t think as many people are leaning towards it.

I’m 18 years old and currently on a gap year, which I’ve spent making a documentary called Should I Marry My Cousin?

I wouldn’t say marriage is at the front of my brain, it’s just something that I’ve thought about since it’s quite important in Pakistani culture.

In Pakistan, it’s not weird to get married young. For British Pakistanis, though, it’s happening less. I think most people are focusing on their careers and degrees first.

If you’re not from this culture you might not understand why people marry their cousins.

Cousin marriage is definitely not a religious thing. It’s not required of you in Islam, it’s just left very open and very vague. Even for people in the Pakistani culture, it’s very dependent on your family and how you’re brought up.